Authorities covering common business activities

General records authorities (GRAs) set out requirements for keeping, destroying or transferring records of business common to many agencies. The National Archives prepares and issues these authorities. The Administrative Functions Disposal Authority (AFDA) and AFDA Express are GRAs for a range of common administrative functions.

Below is the current set of GRAs available for use by Australian Government agencies. The administrative functions covered by AFDA and AFDA Express are included for completeness. Do not use AFDA or AFDA Express for agency core business records. Agency specific records authorities are used for records of agency core business.

Accredited Training (GRA 33)

This general records authority sets out the retention and destruction requirements for accredited training records of Australian government agencies that are also Registered Training Organisations (RTOs).

It covers gaining accreditation as an RTO, the planning, development and implementation of training programs, enrolment and assessment of trainees, the awarding of qualifications, and the monitoring of organisational performance.

Note: The authority does not identify any 'Retain as national archives' (RNA) records. RTOs that deliver accredited training in high risk business areas, such as training provided by security or intelligence agencies, or the Department of Defence, must contact the Archives for agreement to use the authority.

Advisory Bodies (GRA 26)

This general records authority sets out the retention and destruction requirements for all administrative and core business records of both statutory and non statutory advisory bodies. It covers developing and reporting on advice including supporting consultation, membership records, records of meetings and other supporting administrative records.

The XML and Excel files are truncated versions of the GRA for Advisory Bodies which may be useful for uploading into information systems. They should only be used in conjunction with the pdf version as they do not contain the full information.

Encrypted records created in online security processes

This disposal authority allows and sets conditions for the disposal of encrypted records created during online security processes. It includes encrypted versions of inbound and outbound electronic transactions.

Governing Bodies (GRA 27)

This general records authority sets out the requirement for keeping, destroying and transferring day-to-day administration and operational records of an agency’s governing body such as providing secretariat and administrative support, minutes of meetings, arrangements for travel, leave entitlements, allowances, remunerations and membership appointment and separation records.

The XML and Excel files are truncated versions of the Governing Bodies General Records Authority which may be useful for uploading into information systems. These files should only be used in conjunction with the pdf version, as they do not contain the full information.

NOTE: A 'For Statement' has been added April 2012 under class 21581 to clarify that addresses/presentations made by Governing Body members are retained as National Archives under AFDA/AFDA Express.

Public or Official Inquiries (GRA 29)

This authority applies to the records of temporary, independent inquiries established by Australian Government ministers to inquire into and report on matters of public importance or public interest. The authority covers consultative inquiries as well as more formal Commissions of inquiry other than Royal Commissions.

This records authority authorises the destruction of records damaged beyond recovery in a natural disaster, a defined emergency or other unforeseen circumstance. It requires the Archives to be notified of records destroyed beyond recovery and the circumstances.

Records Issues for Outsourcing including GDA 25

This disposal authority covers the transfer of custody and ownership of records to contractors providing services on behalf of, or to, government under outsourcing arrangements. The authority is included in Records Issues for Outsourcing which provides guidelines for agencies about their responsibilities for records management when employing contractors.

Records Relating to Data Matching Exercises (GDA 24)

The provisions of this Authority are consistent with the requirements of the Data Matching Program (Assistance and Tax) Act 1990 and the voluntary guidelines issued by the Privacy Commission on the use of data matching in the Australian Government.

This disposal authority relates to the Commonwealth of Australia versus Cockatoo Island Dockyard arbitration proceedings. This authority is an exception to the general coverage of the other GDAs as it only relates to specific agencies concerned with the case.

Records Relating to the Intelligence Function in any Commonwealth Agency (GDA 21)

This disposal authority covers records relating to the collection, interpretation and analysis, and distribution of intelligence material related to the security of Australia and Australians. It can be used by any Australian Government agency and covers records created by or received by the Australian Government from domestic or foreign sources.

Small Collection Management (GRA 32) (2011)

This authority covers the records used to manage small or incidental collections acquired by agencies through donation, purchase or as an outcome of operational activity. Examples include collections of rock samples, plant samples, confiscated items and other historical items and artefacts. The authority excludes collection items although where Commonwealth records are included in collections, the Archives Act continues to apply.

The Authority does not apply to agencies that have a special responsibility for managing and developing cultural collections.

Transfer of custody and ownership of Personal Security Files (PSFs)

This authority permits agencies to transfer the custody or ownership, as appropriate, of PSFs to State and Territory agencies or police forces in accordance with the Australian Government Protective Security Policy Manual (PSPF). Related to broader arrangements to extend the use of the PSM to State and Territory bodies, the authority facilitates the portability of PSFs for employees who move to other jurisdictions and require security clearances. The authority will be of most relevance to agency security advisers and staff responsible for managing PSFs.